Bedford Jam Returns From Two Year Absence

Kelli McRobert | Apr 13, 2022

As I rounded the bend on Westport Road, you could already see the parking lot full of cars and the roadway clearly indicating that an event was happening at Bedford Hall. People had arrived early to get a prime seat and were keen to get back to enjoying the local sounds and friendships that had been reduced during the dreaded ‘pandemic’. Celebrating its 15th year this July, the Bedford Jam brings together like-minded individuals to share their love of music. An open mic concept is used, and each performer can get on stage and belt out a favourite tune or strum along with the other players in the audience using a guitar, fiddle, banjo, dulcimer, harmonica, and some have even used spoons.

As I entered, there was a friendly familiarity to the Bedford Hall with its well-worn hardwood floors, reminiscent of an old school gym (Glendower School) and a stage to my right where musicians warmed up and greeted guests as they paid their donation (performers free and listeners $2.00 or $5.00 for a family) and attendees signed in. Large antique globes cast a yellow hue on the spectators sitting front and centre, eagerly awaiting the start of the bi-weekly event. The location had been moved from the Piccadilly Hall in 2009, as the popularity of the event outgrew the venue, and Bedford Hall was a suitably sized building with a capacity for 200.

At today’s event, over 40 people joined in the re-opening and caught up with current events, and news of the area. Each artist would have their turn in order of arrival and could perform for 2 songs unless they were a couple and then they could share the stage for 4 songs. A professional sound board was lit up, supporting the performers, adjusting sound, pitch, and volume with each eager artist. The walls were lined with memorial boards, some shaped like guitars, reminding you of those that were lost over the past few years; mini-collages that showed a pictorial of friends and families who loved and lost someone close to this tight-knit community. ‘Music Angels of Bedford Jam’ titled each of the hand-crafted creations, and memorial plaques lined the exit of the quaint hall.

The event itself came from a visit to the south and was the creative idea of Roy & Joan Shepherd, they joined up with Homer and Wilheilmine Card and started the Second Lake Jam Session in 2007. This event was held outdoors and eventually moved inside so it could carry on throughout the year. Many of the original performers are still actively involved in the sessions and include Betty Anne & Wayne Eves, Sheila & Barry Calthorpe, John Kot & Annette Richards, who play back up to the main acts with skill and ease. Their onstage presence brings a level of comfort and enjoyment as they tap out a tune or mouth a few lines as the songs twang along with bluegrass charm and old-time country lyrics. It was fun to see a few gals and couples dancing beside the stage, redolent of yester years where dancing was the norm when you heard a toe tapping tune and got up to ‘cut a rug’.

Music filled the hall as those seated swayed to the music, some tapping toes, some chair dancing while others played the harmonica or sang along to an accustomed song. The M/C kept everyone on task as they announced the players ‘on deck’ and joked with the band between songs as musicians and artists alike, came and went from the stage…coffee, tea and snacks were on hand and donations were accepted for those items, as many took advantage of the tasty treats as they washed it down with a hot cuppa’ joe. The events themselves are worth the nominal entry fee and the rewards benefit not only those in attendance but donations are made on behalf of the Bedford Jam to a variety of local charities and initiatives. Some of these include Ride for Dad, Camp Trillium, North/Central/South Frontenac Food Banks, and the Sydenham Legion. Bedford Hall also received funding from the group to help with the upgrade to the heating and cooling system which makes indoor events comfortable 365 days a year.

As the afternoon continued and performers came and went, the audience settled into a rhythm that was comfortable and familiar faces were welcomed by the audience as they crooned, plucked, and strummed. The musical community is looking forward to more regular upcoming Sunday sessions, held between 1-4 PM, as they alternate between Godfrey and Sunbury weekly.

The next event in Godfrey is April 24th and April 17th in Sunbury.

For more information, please contact Joan Shepherd at 613-374-5477 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..